Champ Bailey’s long and distinguished NFL career came to an end Tuesday.

Bailey’s agent, Jack Reale, said the 12-time Pro Bowl selection decided to retire after 15 seasons in the league with the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos.

The cornerback had been out of a job since he was released during final cuts before the season by the New Orleans Saints. Reale indicated that several teams had shown interest in Bailey since then, but he chose not to go that route.

“At this time, Champ has decided not to accept on-field opportunities and pursue another career path,” Reale said. “He could be playing right now if he wanted to be.

“To play the end of this season and maybe next season, given his opportunities, he could have done that. But he decided it was best to move on to those other areas. I think everybody on his team agreed that was a good approach.”

The 36-year-old Bailey ends his career with 12 Pro Bowl selections, tied for second most all time with linebackers Ray Lewis and Junior Seau. Reggie White is the leader with 13.

After missing much of last season with a foot injury, Bailey returned to help the Broncos reach the Super Bowl. He was released in the offseason to create salary cap space.

Bailey, the No. 7 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, came to the Broncos in 2004 after a trade with the Redskins for running back Clinton Portis. He finished his career with 52 interceptions, including a personal-best 10 in 2006 for the Broncos.